So… how long has it been? I'm not really sure. But, hey. This chapter is out. Was supposed to come out earlier in the day but this and that happened and it got delayed.

The title may bring out some… concerns. It's okay. This happens. I do apologize on what you're about to read but if it helps, she's the main character for a reason.

Whatever happens in this chapter… none of the characters are to be blamed. It's not their fault. People argue. They fight. Shit happens.

But yeah. Enjoy.

The thing about being immortal… you don't realise how much time passes.

Days start to blur together, you don't exactly remember how many days it has been.

Was it better when we were at war?

I had a good excuse then, why I couldn't remember.

Right now, I have no excuse. Each day, I did something different.

Wore something new. Ate something special. Went someplace different.

Yet it was still a shock when Hazel told me it had been around six centuries since the Titanomachy.

How does time pass by so fast that this happens?

Was this what the Gods felt? Because I didn't understand it.

How had six lifetimes passed without me realising it?

All our suffering… I still feel it sometimes.

Sometimes it was stronger than most days. Sometimes I would wake up and start crying, feeling too exhausted to move despite just waking up. It happened mostly during the Winter Solstice.

It felt so wrong that it has been so long.

Change feels wrong.

My empire has grown prosperously. Sure, it might collapse anytime if I was gone and magic made it reveal itself but other than that, we have become a strong nation and I couldn't be prouder.

That doesn't mean I like change.

Well, most of the time, I didn't like change.

Not today. Today, I welcome change like an old pal.

Six centuries after the Titanomachy, I have never had a situation like this.

The boy standing next to Aura almost seemed familiar. With short, platinum blonde hair, it framed his face perfectly, sharpening his features. His eyes, cold and blue, warmed as soon as he took in the sight of me. He recognised me, but I wasn't sure if it was good or not.

He took a step towards me, but was immediately blocked by Aura's guards. I ignored him, instead regarding the queen of Kydilla, who greeted me with respect and love.

"Who is this?" I asked, tilting my head in the direction of the foreign boy. "He is not from Kydilla."

"No, no he is not." Aura agreed, folding her hands in front of her like a proper lady. The blue sapphire shard shone brightly and proudly on her bare neck. "He is an outlander, but he claims to have a home here. I believe you can deal with him?"

Then, I sensed something on him. A warm, palpitating orb of power, surrounding him. An aura, I had only ever seen on nine people, the last leaving the place we called home, leaving her throne abandoned for me to take over for I could not watch someone else take it.

My eye ticked.

He darted forward, moving past the guards that reached for him with lightning speed and quick agility, like he had trained for such events. I waited, merely curious as to what he would do.

As soon as he was three feet away from me, the boy sank down to one knee, lowering his head, showing compliance and adherence. "Goddess Aiónia. I have come home."

I wasn't sure when, but as my title was uttered, I instantly knew him. Flicking my hand in the direction of the guards, I spoke, "You have returned home, then, descendant of Cecelia, queen of Charí?"

All eyes widened in recognition. The guards immediately straightened, righting their weapons. Aura's hands fell limply to her sides. Something akin to rage and hatred flickered alive.

He nodded once, raising his head without being told to. There was a fire in his eyes that I have not seen for so long. "I have come to take what's mine."

I do like a good challenge. I bent forward, lifting his chin up with two fingers. His eyes met mine. A slow, almost cruel smile on my lips as I leaned closer to his ears. "Prove it."

"Marcus, shut up!" Aura screeched, slamming her hands to her ears, squeezing her eyes shut.

The descendant of Cecelia raised his eyebrow. "It is nothing but the truth, Aura, learn to accept it. The rules clearly state that-"

"I do not care what the rules say! Shut up! We are not in Europe! European laws do not apply here! Shut up!" She flung her arms out wildly, and Marcus barely managed to dive to the side before all the goods fell onto the floor.

I lifted one finger in a vertical line upwards, levitating all the sharp objects before they made a dent in the floor. Look, it's marble. I'm not getting a single scratch on my marble floor, Hazel was going to kill me.

"You are a queen." Marcus gestures helplessly. "You do need to learn how to do trade, it is like one of the essentials."

"I have Felix to deal with all of that!" Aura wailed, her hands still covering her ears, although that has proven to be useless. "He is the Head of Trade for a reason, so shut up! My brain hurts!"

The queen of Idissa started to laugh from my side. "This is comical." Aisha whispered to Isadora who offered her friend an apple.

"We should have gotten a boy on this council a long time ago." Isadora agreed, reaching for another apple from the coffee table. "Not that there are many nice males, but Marcus is a good example. Cece has taught her line well."

"She left her mark." Iphianna of Imbreion said, lifting her head from where it laid on her husband's shoulder as she watched the queen of Kydilla and the king of Charí argue. "Must be so proud."

I tuned them out, not wanting to remember that Cecelia was, in fact, dead. A long time ago.

Marcus proved to be worthy of his throne. He was quick, adaptable and capable. But a little too similar to the queen who ruled before him. I don't see him on that throne. Not all the time.

He was good though, I'll admit. He was a good king. For years to come.

Unlike Cecelia, he might not leave.

That reassures me, but I wish it didn't.

So, the thing about friend groups is that they can be… dramatic.

"I wasn't like that, was I?" I muttered to Frank, all while keeping my eyes on the front.

"With Annabeth and Grover. Oh, you were the slightly cool one who always somehow got all the good luck and bad luck on your side." Frank said, nodding like he was being serious. "With Piper and Annabeth? I would say you were like Aura right now."

Aura who was squealing like she inhaled helium or something, trying and seemingly successfully squeezing the life out of Isadora.

"She's not leaving forever." I said, furrowing my eyebrows. "In fact, she just submitted her new plan about expanding Lissanthus. It's just three centuries, she's coming back."

"You don't get to say anything, you were almost as bad as when Okina left for Elacia." Frank nudged my side. "Speaking of whom, you haven't visited her for over a decade now."

"I've been busy."

"You complained that you have nothing to do just yesterday."

"I forgot about her, sue me. It's been a long time, okay? Okina is dealing with her life. Speaking of whom, you know she plans on moving to Myliraki soon?"

"Of course. All the plans have already been made." At this, Frank sighed tiredly. "Can you at least speak with her so that I do not have to deal with any deaths?"

"Look, Okina killed once. Some of my girls are reaching their hundredth kill already."

"That girl was in her room that had top notch security and no one knew Okina was the one to kill her until Okina said something. Everyone is worried."

"That girl killed Okina's mother. Okina had the right."

"Just speak to her."

"Fine."

He grew quiet. His gaze shifted until they stopped at a random wall where they clouded over. I smiled, leaning over. "Don't be like this. You're getting all sad, Frank. I don't want you to be sad, not today."

"Tomorrow?"

My smile faltered. Tomorrow was Estelle's birthday. Or would have been her birthday.

One day, I will learn to put her down. Today is not the day, neither was tomorrow.

Pushing the thought away, I grasped his hand, almost like grabbing my lifeline. "Sure. Tomorrow. Not today."

Frank, hearing the hitch in my tone, changed the subject. "Things are changing. Really quickly. Can you believe that it is Hyllus' wedding soon?"

"I never thought he would ever get married." I mused. "But I suppose some people do find stern, strong men attractive. I can't wait to officiate their wedding, I've never officiated a wedding."

"I would have never chosen you to be the officiant." Frank shrugged, honest as ever. "But they want it to be perfect. As if planning for three years with the help of us wouldn't make the wedding perfect."

I flicked his nose. "Don't get cocky. I will call Hazel and I will make sure she knocks you off your high horse."

"No one can knock me off if I am the high horse." Frank chortled. "Enough of that for now, though, shouldn't you go see Isadora off? She's leaving soon."

"She's just going to Myliraki." I waved his concern off. "She promised to send one letter every week and she is staying with you in Akámas so I'll be seeing her each time I see you. I'm not going to miss her too much."

Was it hypocritical of me when I haven't seen Okina in years? Yes. Definitely. But Okina is living her life. She's loving the life she leads as a citizen of Elacia. She has a wife and a daughter and lives in comfort, she doesn't miss me.

We do occasionally exchange notes. We do.

Knowing that she was safe, well, desensitises me. I accept it, I accept that not everyone will stay forever.

Isadora is one of the few who will stay though. That is why I don't worry—I know she will return, and that is good enough for me.

I do want to say goodbye though, so I make my way over.

She and Marcus were having a stare-down when I got into hearing distance.

I paused as I reached Aura, who was blowing her nose in a tissue with Aristorine patting her shoulder comfortingly.

Aura and Isadora were the only ones Aristorine would comfort, to tell the truth. On a very personal level, they were the only ones she truly cares about in my council. (On a separate note, their bond was something I compared to my bond with Hazel and Frank. For Gods' sake, she has a heart tattoo bolded on her right wrist with the letters I and A in it.)

I was broken out of my reverie on the trio's friendship when Marcus spoke up.

"Worried I will be better, Isa?"

"It is because I know I am better that I leave. Cecelia was a much better queen and she left."

A roll of his eyes. The corner of his mouth perked up. "Ouch, that hurts, Isadora. Really."

"Bastard child."

"I will enjoy these years without your loud mouth blabbering nonsense all the time. Honestly, how can a girl be so loud?"

"Being sexist now, lord?"

"You overthink, lady."

I hid my smile.

Avoiding her gaze, Marcus said, "I see you get even a scratch, I will kill you myself."

"Bold of you to assume I will get hurt."

"Just- just take care of yourself. Or else I will kill you."

"Oh, Marcus, Marcus, Marcus."

"Shut up."

"Love you too."

"… whatever."

Sure, they argue at times. But no one was more protective of my council than the people in it themselves. I adore them.

"Oh, heavens." Genia breathed, her eyes wide, pupils dilated as she stared at herself in the mirror.

Hazel pursed her lips, willing her council member not to move as she weaved lilies in the soon-to-be-bride's hair.

Genia was a vision. She had to be, being the first ever royal to be married.

The first one to be wearing a crown as she stepped onto the aisle.

Hazel honestly wasn't sure how many wedding customs they were breaking but they were obviously not following the ancient rituals and they didn't bring back a wedding rule book from the future so there were some alterations.

The first one being that Athis would be walking Genia down the aisle instead of Genia's father.

Not that her father can walk her down the aisle and give her away considering the fact that he was beheaded and his pieces lay somewhere off the shores of Corinth.

There was a knock on the door. Hazel was tempted to yell at them but her mouth was full so she couldn't.

The worst part was that she didn't know what her mouth was full of. Percy had stuffed her mouth with something and duct-taped it there and Hazel still wasn't sure if it was edible or not.

Why couldn't she just take it out? No time. Simple as that. Also, it got her out of talking so there was that.

"Hazie!" Frank entered the room, instantly brightening Hazel's day. "How is the bride?"

"My king!" Genia whirled around, nearly tripping over her chiton. "Oh, is it time? How is Hyllus?"

"As worried as you it seems." Frank grinned, straightening his tunic. "Do not fret, Genia. You have planned this for half a decade now."

Truth be told, it was only supposed to be three years of planning. Corinth's men decided to be an idiot and they spent two years defeating Corinth's tropes and washing away their memory.

Another knock on the door, Anysia came in, holding Genia's bouquet. "Are you ready, dear sister?" Anysia asked, leaving the flowers on the table as she took Genia's trembling hands. "I am so proud of you. About to be queen of Mygeneia! Oh, how I will miss you. But you will write, and we will visit."

"The Fates could not stop me." Genia said, her smile wobbly but genuine. To Hazel she said, "I am ready, my queen."

Her girls grew up so fast.

"Why are you getting married?" I complained, lying on my stomach with my feet dangling from the other side of the bed. The most un-goddess-like position anyone will ever find me but hey, she's my girl, she gets to see me like this. "Just why?"

"Aiónia, Genia got married. You never complained then." Mimira pointed out, fixing her hair pins.

"Well, Genia is from Elacia. She's Hazel's to worry about. Besides, she's moving from queen of Elatidos to queen of Mygeneia. You're stepping down."

"I really like Delta, Aiónia."

"Good for you! I like Delta too, she's a nice girl. Did I mention she is four centuries younger than you?"

"We are all immortal, Aiónia."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Have you got everything packed?"

"Yes, Vasilissa."

"I will be expecting you to call in once you reach Elacia."

"Of course."

"Eretheucia will miss you."

"I will miss Eretheucia. Who will be the next ruler?"

"Not decided. We shall see. For now, I shall take over your responsibilities."

"I-"

"No. Zip it. This is no longer your concern. You just focus on your new life, m'kay?"

She nodded. Such a good girl. "Yes, Vasilissa."

"Good girl. Good luck, Mimira. Enjoy your life."

Mimira's hands faltered. A noticeable bob of her throat. "Do not be sad, milady, I am still here. I will always be here."

She's so sweet, worried about me when she was about to leave for the opposite side of the world to lead her new life.

"Of course."

When I was little, I had a fear of snakes.

By little, I meant when I was twelve. Get the context yet?

So yeah. I saw the snake, I decapitated it.

Now I'm wondering if I could have taken a different approach.

Back then, probably not. This time, I will save Medusa. Somehow.

Not now though. She's off somewhere, making a name for herself, killing everyone who so naively sought her out.

Before that, I am here. In Sparta. In a temple made in Athena's honour.

How the fuck did I get here? No idea.

She looks ethereal, just saying.

Like most statues, she had no irises. Instead, her eyes were staring at a distance. I don't know why that was the first thing I noticed, but it certainly made me miss the grey hue of her eyes.

Athena's hair flowed unrestrained around her, with a laurel wreath around her head. She wore a chiton, a golden pin to her shoulder. It gleamed in the light, the only colour besides the green hue of plants in the temple.

The image of perfection. The image of the goddess she is. Wrathful and powerful. Relenting and unforgiving.

A monster is what no one dares to say out loud.

I am not no one. I dare to speak of her faults. Of her arrogance and pride. Her incapability to accept fault and imperfection.

Without realising, Kósmima was in my hand, her smooth surface glinting off the sun's light.

Been a long time since I had her in my hand. Since I wanted to use her.

There have been a couple of wars, especially near Myliraki. Foolish people who want to try and invade the empire. People who were ignorant of the power that nation held. I didn't participate in them. Maybe I should have.

The hold I have on Kósmima was foreign to me. It fit in my hand, it just didn't feel as easy as before.

That didn't matter though, when I raised the silver blade in the air.

Worshippers, Spartans, started yelling as soon as they caught sight of me.

The less confident ones started running for the exit, fearful of the goddess's wrath.

The brainless idiots tried to attack me, take Kósmima away from me.

I gave them a second longer to live before raining lightning bolts down on them. After ten bodies lay lifeless around me, they started getting the clue and running away.

I didn't know why I killed them, I just did. They interfered with my plans, and I retaliated.

Yet as they ran away, I didn't move.

Kósmima was raised above my head, eye-level to Athena's marble neck, and I didn't move.

I could see it, at that moment. Annabeth's shiny blonde hair, golden in the sunlight. Her charming laughter. Her eyes, filled with life, sparkling as she rattled off yet another architectural fact. Her hands, moving nonsensically as she passionately tried to describe something that wasn't there.

Annabeth, and her blind loyalty to her mother despite being disowned.

Annabeth, and her optimistic plans of our future.

Annabeth, and her unwavering support when I asked to finish the quest for Apollo before we left for college. Her willingness to put her own future to a halt because I was too hungry, too desperate for a chance to leave the Gods' control.

Annabeth, and the life we will never experience together because this monster allowed her father to kill her daughter.

I squeezed my hand tighter around Kósmima's hilt. I swung the blade.

It didn't miss its target.

And oh, how I laughed. I laughed and laughed.

As Athena's head fell in slow-motion, cracking and splitting open as it made contact with the floor. Small pieces of the fragile statue lay on the floor, as the immaculate face shattered like glass.

As her haughty expression fell apart and I stood face-to-face with a lifeless, headless goddess.

As, all around me, those who watched curiously wailed and screamed, running away to save their lives.

As the walls started to shake, the ground beneath me trembled, and the once pristine temple floor started to fill with dust and cracked pieces of the temple ceiling.

As the sound of thunder boomed next to my ear, like an enraged goddess shrieking at me.

Oh yes, I laughed. And I didn't stop.

I made a nice tradition when I destroyed Athena's temple.

Now, whenever we went out, we had to destroy at least one statue. Bare minimum.

It's very fun and we kept at it. Didn't get boring even after fifty years.

"Starra, do you mind double-checking the guards." I said, rubbing my hands together. Ephicca's weather was especially chilly these days. "Make sure they are warm enough. It's going to start snowing soon. Tomorrow, there will be a freak snowstorm. Get them the supplies."

"Of course, Vasilissa." Starra nodded once, barking out some orders to someone off-screen. So different from her sister, and yet I adore them both.

From Ethearos, I called for another cup of hot tea. I'm sensitive to the cold, okay? Never mind that I was once from New York.

"Gotten any messages from Ari?"

"She did seem off just yesterday." Starra reported idly, not entirely focused on me. She was staring off-screen. Whatever caught her interest must be big. "Nothing new, but I did get a call from Keelan. Uh, told me to tell you to call him, Vasilissa. Sounded very urgent as well."

"I'll call him then. Take care of Ephicca, Starra, and keep up the good work."

"I cannot wait for Ari to return." Starra muttered. "Being queen is hard work."

I stifle my laughter. "Well, yes, but some people enjoy it."

—

"He is going to do it." Keelan burst out, gripping the mirror hard.

His palm was starting to hurt. The edge of the mirror was covered in beautiful diamonds but it made it so sharp. He barely noticed it.

It had been a shock to him, working in Olympus.

Some days, it has been fine. No one really noticed him. Sure, the first few days were hard, he had no idea how to transition from a prince to a servant when he lived his entire life as royalty.

But as time went by, it became easy. He did his work, and no one noticed when he was eavesdropping on the gods. The gods made it easy for him, their voices echoing through the halls of Olympus, making everyone hear their plans.

Other days, he wanted to quit. He wanted to break his act, seeing Zeus raise his Master Bolt, aimed at some poor being.

This was why the Τελευταία were better. They wouldn't kill or torture someone because they tripped and dropped the food.

This however. This was so much worse.

Queen Persephone's face appeared, wispy and unclear, just enough so that Keelan knew she was there.

He barreled on. "They- they are angry. Furious. Aiónia, he is going to do it."

Hearing about Zeus's plan… Keelan could not hold back his shock.

He grew up hearing tales about the Gods' pettiness and cruelty.

Zeus's arrogance and ability to hold a grudge. Hera's spitefulness. Poseidon's unpredictable mood. Demeter's rage.

Hera was the whole reason why his parents remained unmarried, despite having so many children throughout the years. (Keelan heard they were having a sixth child but that was off-topic)

But this… no one ever mentioned this.

Persephone furrowed her brows, or at least Keelan thought that was what she was doing. "Keelan, dear, you need to calm down. What is he going to do? Why is he angry? He isn't angry at you, right? We'll get you out if you're in danger."

Keelan hesitated a moment, preening under the hidden show of affection. His goddess had been a constant presence in his life. They do not interact much, but he remembered her being around when he was born, and each time he celebrated his birthday, no matter how old, she would be there regardless of her schedule.

"No, I am not in danger. But Earth is."

That caught her attention.

A pregnant pause.

Persephone swallowed audibly, looking ill. That, Keelan could see clearly. "Tell me."

—

Lycaon.

Why in loving fuck is he born so early? Something doesn't add up. Doesn't matter right now.

If he hadn't just been turned into a lycanthrope, I would have brought him to Kydria and tortured him until he no longer knew how to speak. I'll let him suffer for a few years first.

"Screw life." I screamed into my pillow.

Frank was pacing on my fur mat, his hands tearing at his hair. Soft mumbling filled the room.

Hazel was calmly sitting at the table, stirring her tea.

I sighed, propping myself up on my elbows. "We need to stop him."

"Didn't some couple pray to him the last time?" Hazel wondered. "They got him to bring life back."

"Yeah, but that was after billions of people suffered from drowning and getting struck by lightning." I pointed out. "From personal experience, drowning isn't so great, Hazie."

Hazel shrugged, annoyingly undisturbed by this fact. "It'll be okay, Seph. We'll be okay."

I frowned. What the hell? "Kydria, Elacia and Myliraki will be safe, but what about the other humans? We came back to change the world for the humans. If they are all gone, what is the point? Yes, Earth will be repopulated but what about those who died? Who are you, Hazel?"

Hazel flew up from her seat, eyes smouldering with a fierce light. Her cup of tea was knocked over, the ceramic cracking and green liquid pooling on the floor. "I am a queen and a friend, Seph. My concerns lay in our empire and us. I will always hold them before Earth. Call me selfish, but it is my duty as soon as we started building them. Our people, they are depending on us to protect them. Earth will be reborn. Human lives will be lost but they will be regained. We won't. Our powers have been diminished by so much, we have barely gotten used to it. We just got strong enough to continue maintaining our empire's borders, if we focus on King Thunderpants right now, they will be revealed and our hard work will be gone. What happened to secrecy? I'm trying to be smart here."

"Guys…" Frank tried.

I snorted, leaping up to my feet. "Smart? Smart?! We came back in time to give them a better life, Hazel! We came back to stop the Gods from tormenting all of us. Besides, we have people everywhere on Earth. Citizens of our empires who left to live on Earth. Cecelia's bloodline. Polyxena. So many others. How can you be so- so selfish?!"

"Selfish!" Hazel screeched, her tone rising by an octave. "I am trying to care for my people!"

"Earth should come first!" I screamed. "We've been at this for seven centuries. I thought you would know better!"

"Guys…"

"Earth will be reborn! Our mission will be at risk if you do this!"

I stilled. "Me?"

Hazel blinked, realising her mistake almost instantaneously. But still too late. "Sephie…"

"You're right." I said, a wry smile on my lips. "Me. Fine, then. Do things your way. I can do them my way as well. You take care of Elacia, Hazie, I'll take care of the Gods."

Tears of frustration welled up in her eyes. I've seen tears of grief and sadness almost too many times from her. Of anger? Only when we realised everyone we cared and loved for are dead. The realisation struck me, how long it has been since we argued.

So used to doing everything together, sticking by each other, it almost felt awkward in the silence of our argument.

Hazel and I stared at each other, huffing and stifling our cries as Frank stood in the middle, looking at the two of us, unsure.

Then, Hazel whirled around, disappearing in the nearest shadow.

I sank back down on my bed. "You should go check up on Hazel."

"She's going to be fine. Hurt, but that can be settled later." Frank told me quietly. "I'm more worried about you right now."

I brought my knees to my chest, hugging myself. "I won't let Zeus ruin my world again, Frank. I don't care what it does to me."

"The worst part is neither of you are in the wrong." He confided. "But Hazel is trying to care for you, Sephie. Can't you see that? You're part of the Τελευταία, the Lasts. If you're gone… you can't be gone."

I rubbed at my eyes harshly, disgruntled to find the area damp. "Zeus can't take Earth from me."

I don't care if Earth will be remade.

The myths never clarified how long it took that couple to bring back everyone. All those lost lives as well… I can't. I understand Hazel but I can't.

"Let me go with you." Freezing, I tilted my head upwards.

Frank had his mouth pressed in a thin line, looking anywhere but at me, but he spoke those words. "Your powers aren't fully back, but the tales spoke of a tsunami that wrecked the world. Our powers together… it might do the trick. If you're going to stop the Gods, I will go with you."

"But Hazel…"

"She won't lose us, Sephie. Do it alone, she might lose you, but she won't lose us if we do things together. Then after this is over, we can all hug it out, apologise, and go back to what we were. A family."

Right. What we always tried to remind each other, but forgot at times. I nodded hesitantly. "A family. Always."

His hand on my knee. "I don't want to lose you."

I don't think you can stop me.

—

Thunder roared in Persephone's ears, lightning running across the sky.

Clouds of black covered the luminent sun, casting the world in darkness.

Beside her, Frank stood unflinchingly as the first bout of the Gods' attack started.

Beneath their feet, at the bottom of the mountain, citizens of Athens started shouting, feeling the unnaturality of the storm.

They were all trying to run away, but really, it was too late.

The skies opened up. Persephone's eyes flew open just as the rain started pouring down mercilessly.

She found Frank's hand—a warm, calming beacon to guide her in the frigid weather. A promise to stay by her, no matter what.

Around her neck, the bright sapphire glowed steadily in the darkness surrounding them.

For centuries now, Azure protected her. With the blood of Zeus flowing in Persephone's veins—regardless of how scarce it was—Azure sensed her as its mistress, accompanying her, guiding her these years. Never has it failed.

Until today.

Persephone wasn't naive, she knew what was about to come. She knew there was no other possible outcome, not unless she wanted her future gone. She understood Hazel's reluctance. If she was in Hazel's place, she would have also forbidden it.

But she isn't Hazel. And Hazel wasn't here to stop her.

Grasping Frank's hand like an anchor, Persephone started to levitate, her feet lifting off.

All around her, screams and shouts of panic were drowned out by the sound of the unrelenting rain and thunder, all of Greece only lighting up by the lightning that ran through the skies, the fire given to them with Prometheus's sacrifice extinguished.

She ignored it all, keeping her gaze on her best friend, her descendent, her brother. "Last chance." For someone who was about to die, her voice came out rather steadily. "Turn back. Go back to Hazel."

He whose heart was filled with love, will ignore the truth until the deed is done. Will choose to remain in the dark until light is forcefully shone in his eyes.

"I'm not going anywhere."

"Then die with me." There is no possibility, no foreseen outcome that allows her to stay alive. And perhaps it should scare Persephone, but she has lived for seven centuries, and death does not scare her.

It does not give her the relief most felt at an old age, but she won't run away from it. Not if it could save Earth. Her home.

—

Hazel grimaced at the bitter taste of wine.

It has been hours now, since her fight with Percy. She thought by now, the hot-tempered girl would have cooled down.

Five more minutes. She decides. If she doesn't come, I will go find her.

Hazel had her pride, but she is willing to overlook it in favour of her bond with Percy. Her cousin. Her best friend. She wasn't going to lose her over a petty fight. Surely Percy will come to her senses and wake up and see that Hazel was correct.

It would be tragic, watching everyone die. But really, it's just like watching an ant hill burn. They will come back. They will be stronger than before. It wasn't something permanent.

If someone from Elacia was to be harmed though… Hazel would destroy the Gods. Fuck their carefully crafted plans.

"Queen Hazel?"

Hazel looked up with a start, her eyes connecting with someone else's from within the mirror. Violet eyes, as bright as amethysts, gazed at her fearlessly but respectfully. Hazel couldn't quite remember anyone else who could hold such a look, except perhaps for Aura and her Anysia.

Half-standing, Hazel beckoned with one hand, smiling warmly at the queen of Aeternita. "Marpessa, did Aiónia send you? Has she finally-"

"Actually, my queen, King Frank sent me." Marpessa interrupted, staying in her spot.

Hazel frowned, unsure of what was happening.

Sure, she has been disrespected before. It wasn't a new sensation.

People doubted her ability to lead and rule. Questioned her decisions. Rebelled. Rioted.

She had dealt with them accordingly, proving to them why she was their queen, why she was capable enough to create Elacia.

But… their council was the people she never had to doubt. She trusted them. They respected her, she protected them.

With this show of disrespect… Hazel was uncertain of how to act.

"Oh?" She cleared her throat, praying she didn't sound like she was about to break or something. "What did he say?"

"She will do it." Hazel flinched at her tone. Marpessa's eyes, wide and wild, the slightest hint of instability hidden within. "He told me so. Your argument does not change anything."

"Who?"

"Aiónia."

A sheet of paper could have dropped and they still would have noticed in the daunting silence.

Hazel stumbled backwards, hitting her hip on the edge of her table. Fear radiated from her. "No." She mumbled, mostly to herself. "No, no, no. Sephie, no. Don't do anything stupid, don't…"

"King Frank went with her." Marpessa said, inching forward. Anger still shone, but there was a sheen of tears starting to cloud over, her pillar of strength crumbling. "He wanted me to tell you. He has gone with Aiónia but they may not survive."

Hazel almost didn't hear Marpessa, rushing to her balcony doors, throwing them open.

Outside, the weather was calm as it always was. An illusion like any others.

A quick wave of her hand, the Mist cleared.

Like clouds rolling away, a screen being lifted.

The protection barrier was still around, shielding the Elacians and keeping Elacia within a different dimension from Earth. But now, they could see Earth. Just like with Kydria, it was like they existed on a different plane, where they could see out, and others couldn't see in.

But oh Gods… Hazel wished she didn't look.

Outside, thunder deafened the chatter of her people. Lightning flashed, threatening to blind Hazel's sight, striking into the far distance. Barely a second passes and a whiff of smoke curled up, just visible to Hazel.

"No." She muttered, bringing her hand up to her mouth. "No."

She turned on Marpessa, who swallowed upon seeing the uncontrolled anger on her queen's face. "Where are they?" Hazel demanded, trembling. "Where is she?!"

Marpessa squeezed her eyes shut. When all of this is over and Hazel looks back on it, she would feel guilt and horror to know that one of their own was scared of her.

But now, she felt nothing but rage and hurt. A volcano of fear, threatening to erupt anytime and it took everything in her to close the opening and keep the lava down

A shaking hand was raised, one hand pointing to the east. A soft word gasped out.

Hazel vanished.

—

The sight she saw was not something Hazel was prepared for.

She's been through literal wars. Interestingly enough, it was very common during the Ancient Times. Power hungry men invading and trying to take what did not belong to them.

She's been through deaths. The deaths of everyone she knew until the point where she only had two trusted friends, compared to the hundreds she had before that.

That did something to Hazel. She knows that she's become codependent on them. Knew that she would never survive if they were not by her side, either one of them.

So, it never occurred to her what she would do if she found one of them dead.

"No." A soft whimper tore through her throat, seeing the two prone bodies lying on top of the cliff.

The harsh winds—calmer than before—swept through the air, upending Hazel's world.

Frank laid on his back, eyes closed and chest giving the barest movement. He was alive.

Percy was the one staring aimlessly in Hazel's direction but at nothing at the same time. Her head rested on Frank's abdomen, limbs sprawled in an awkward position. She was the one Hazel ws crying for.

"No." Hazel's legs gave way, and she crumbled to the ground, her arms breaking her fall but everything inside would have preferred the distraction.

The world around her seemed to do a violent shake, everything blurring together in a seam of water colours until Hazel could no longer tell the sea from the sky.

"Don't." She rasped out. "Sephie, no."

Percy did not respond. The dead tend to not respond.

—

There was a loud ripping sound echoing through Kydilla. Like a shirt being violently ripped apart.

Aura glanced up, scowling at the sky. Was a habit these days to blame everything bad on the Gods.

Petty? Maybe, but it was fun.

Her scowl faded though, when in her peripheral vision, she saw the trees in her garden falling to the ground.

Aura gasped out loud, leaping to her feet in outrage.

Sophia, her lovely Head of Education, faltered in her speech. "Lady Aura," she spoke, never using the title 'queen'. That was reserved for the Τελευταία. "What is wrong?"

Instead of answering,—rude of her, yeah, she knew—Aura turned on her lieutenant, Xenia. "Go find Aiónia." She ordered. "Something is desperately wrong. The rest of you, issue an evacuation immediately."

—

She finds a mysterious woman there, crouched over a dead body. Beside her, a male laid, deathly still. She sensed his low breathing. He's alive—barely.

The woman, so physically young but her aura spiked of old age, so different from most of the people she knew.

Dark chocolate skin, a sharp contrast from the clear, pale skin most are proud of having, and yet this woman wore it with no shame.

Frizzy hair, tumbling over her shoulders, bouncing slightly with every sob she heaved.

"Young lady!" She found herself calling out. "Are you in need of assistance?"

She said the wrong thing.

The foreign woman stiffened, like she got hit by a surprise lightning bolt. Her head snapped up so quickly, she worried about her.

But she was no mortal, it seemed. No mortal held the power this woman held in her eyes.

"Gods." She hissed. Pure hatred bled from her mouth. Her reddened eyes narrowed, giving her a crazed look. She raised one hand, and mist started forming, turning more visible by the second. "You will pay for this."

—

Hazel did not know who this brunette-haired goddess was, nor did she really care.

She just knew that this was a goddess, the dramatic flair of her aura brighter than the world around her right now, though that wasn't so hard.

There was only one reason why a goddess would be here, and Hazel was ready.

It had been her cowardice that costed Percy's life.

So focused on her kingdom, her home, that she forgot for a moment, the true target.

Protect those who had once been the gods' victims, and defeat the arrogant airheads once and for all.

Yet she forgot, and her sister was dead. She could sense it, the life seeping out of Percy, her soul slipping, losing its anchor to the real world, little by little.

And the Gods… they killed her.

The Fates… they punished Percy.

It wasn't hard to guess what had transpired here.

Percy and Frank had came here to defend Earth.

Judging by the clouds clearing up slowly, they succeeded.

But the Fates warned them not to interfere.

It hadn't been the Gods that killed Percy, it was the Fates.

The Gods were responsible for Percy acting out, but the Fates were the ones to kill them.

(Just like that, Hazel's only trust in the immortals snapped.)

The Gods, Titans, Giants, Primordials, Fates.

All were immortal, and the Τελευταία will never make the mistake of trusting them ever again.

(No, that's not true. The τελευταία had been Percy, Frank, and her. But Percy is dead. They would never be the trio they were before ever again.)

The goddess standing, shocked, in front of her still hasn't moved.

Hazel had her hand wrapped around a ball of Mist, ready to use her powers against that goddess. Ready to suffocate her, torture her into a slow death.

That was until the goddess started to laugh.

Her pride pinched, Hazel snapped, "how dare you?!"

"Forgive me," she gasped, smiling. "I know you must be distraught over your friend's death. But you are mistaken, I am no goddess." She smoothed out the creases in her chiton. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Hecate, the titaness of magic. Although, I believe you know that?" A look of intrigue took over her. "Tell me, child, how are you able to use my domain?"

"Your domain?" Hazel repeated, slightly hysterical. Her grip over magic tightened, ready to be unleashed. "It won't be yours when I kill you."

"You have a hatred towards the gods, do you not?" Hecate said quickly, sensing the impending doom ahead of her if she even toed the line. "So do I. I believe we can help each other. One enchantress to another."

Hazel blinked. The ball of magic dissipated. It's been a long time since someone called her an enchantress. Always 'queen' or 'lady'. Or rarely 'goddess', but that title was for Percy. Just like how 'queen' was usually reserved for Hazel and 'king' for Frank.

"Five minutes." Hazel finally said. "Or I will not spare you."

"The Gods killed her, did they not?"

Hazel bristled. "You are not doing yourself any favours, Hecate."

"I hate the Gods as well," she continued, unperturbed, "and I want revenge. Let me help you. In return, you will help me overthrow the Gods."

"What do you get from this?" Hazel hissed. The hand she had raised before now lowered to Percy's still wrists. "What do you envision?"

"A throne." Hecate said with no shame. "I want recognition. I do not necessarily want power, but I want more. More than just a 'minor' goddess." She spat mockingly. "I want to be recognised as a titaness, not hide under the pretense of a goddess."

"Heal them." Hazel demanded. If Hecate knew her well, she would have detected the plea hidden behind. Alas, they were strangers. "Then we shall consider it."

Hecate folded her hands, cocking her head. "The boy, I can heal." She said, soft with sympathy. "The girl is dead, as you know."

Hazel nodded, even as her heart threatened to shatter into a million pieces. "Help me make the Gods forget." She said next. "Forget that they ever did something as foolish as this. Help me hide the thought so far from their minds that they will never do this again."

She considered this with a calculative look. "Done."

—

"Father," Athena called to Zeus, who sat on his throne with a scowl. "What ails you?"

"I have forgotten something." He mutters thoughtfully. "But I cannot recall it."

None of them could.

Hidden behind a pillar, Keelan smirked gleefully. His queen did it. Not a single memory remained.

"You!" Apollo called out impatiently. "Go get some wine for your lord."

He is no lord of mine.

Keelan swore, as he bowed and walked away, that he would not fail.

They cannot remember, but they took his goddess away. If he wanted to kill them before, nothing compared to the searing hatred he held for them now.

They will die. Keelan will even volunteer to oversee their torture if it meant they would get what they truly deserve.

Nothing.

—

Omichli broke quite easily, even after so many years.

Hazel pressed a shard of the diamond into Hecate's awaiting hand.

"It will serve as a communication tool." She informed the curious titaness. "I will not allow you into Elacia. I will never trust another god again. But just call, and I will answer. It can never be lost. Find other gods and Titans if you wish. I will listen to all of them, if they wish to join in. But heed my warning. Speak of anything in clear details, Omi will know. You will perish before a second word can be spoken, your soul torn apart. Do not test me."

Hecate gripped the gem carefully, smiling despite the harsh words.

"This is powerful magic." She noted. "Power I have only seen in primordials, maybe even stronger. But… it is gone. All used up. There was a time limit, yes?"

"Not all used up." Hazel corrected, smiling with her teeth. "It may be weak now, but do not doubt its strength, Hecate. Underestimate it, and it is your life under threat."

Hecate hummed, not looking threatened, instead fascinated. "Understandable, really, considering how powerful it is. I sense that the power can be recovered, if you try hard enough. It is like a well dried up. You can refill it again."

Hazel filled that away for later. "Inspect it any closer and I will take your fingers."

To demonstrate, she curled a tendril of mist around Hecate's index finger, gently tugging.

Finally getting the message, Hecate stopped her musing.

"Your voice will be heard." Hazel told her. "You will gain a seat once we overthrow the Gods. It depends on how useful you will be."

"Quite easily." Hecate said, perfectly at ease. "The Gods have far too many enemies."

"Do not mistake a spy for a possible ally." Hazel ordered. "Ask them whether they wish to join the cause, do not say anything else until the Τελευταία has inspected them. Or must I say more?"

"No need, my lady." Internally, Hazel gagged at this. Eventually, she will get to this but up until now, Hecate was the first to call her by her title. She discovered quickly that she did not like the sound of her title spoken on an immortal's lips. Ally or no.

"Remember the consequences of betraying us." Hazel said softly, like a viper, waiting to strike. She could never bring herself to trust an immortal, even her former mentor. Omichli knew. It knew who to trust, who not to trust. Since it hasn't eviscerated Hecate yet, Hazel deemed her worthy of staying around. Unless she starts to get second thoughts.

Hecate vanished. Hazel left as well a moment later.

Frank was still sleeping peacefully in his chambers.

The servant quickly left after he saw Hazel.

She didn't care, going to sit by his side. "I'm sorry." She whispered. "This is all my fault."

No words were spoken after that, as a white wolf took her spot, curling next to Frank, waiting for her lover to wake.